NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Devin Hester likely will hit the free-agent market as the Bears have not attempted to re-sign him, according to a source who has spoken to the return specialist.

Hester, who joined the Bears in 2006 after the team drafted him in the second round as a cornerback, has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times for his exploits fielding punts and kickoffs. He shares the record for the most combined return touchdowns in NFL history (19) with Deion Sanders.

In 2013, Hester compiled a career-high 1,436 kickoff return yards and an additional 256 yards and one touchdown from punt returns. However, it's worthy of note that his 52 kickoff returns were a career-high number and his 18 punt returns were a career-low figure -- likely the product of an embattled defense that failed to keep opposing offenses off the scoreboard during inopportune times.

Perhaps Hester could land on a contender with enough salary cap room looking to elevate its special-teams unit another level. Either way, while he's still a dynamic force, the 31-year-old specialist's future is uncertain for 2014.

SuperFanDBS Writer

You all can debate it all you want but if Phil Emery isn't doing all he can to rid himself of Lovie's guys then he's doing a damn good imitation of it. Even at age 31 the guy can still make ST Coordinators sweat and he had one PR for a TD last year, one called back and two KOR that nearly broke for TDs but didn't because teams kept a spy back to make sure he didn't. That's still how much respect he commands. At the very least they should have made him an offer before they shoved him out the door. :mad:

You all can debate it all you want but if Phil Emery isn't doing all he can to rid himself of Lovie's guys then he's doing a damn good imitation of it. Even at age 31 the guy can still make ST Coordinators sweat and he had one PR for a TD last year, one called back and two KOR that nearly broke for TDs but didn't because teams kept a spy back to make sure he didn't. That's still how much respect he commands. At the very least they should have made him an offer before they shoved him out the door. :mad:

SuperFanDBS Writer

You all can debate it all you want but if Phil Emery isn't doing all he can to rid himself of Lovie's guys then he's doing a damn good imitation of it. Even at age 31 the guy can still make ST Coordinators sweat and he had one PR for a TD last year, one called back and two KOR that nearly broke for TDs but didn't because teams kept a spy back to make sure he didn't. That's still how much respect he commands. At the very least they should have made him an offer before they shoved him out the door. :mad:

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Another guy welcomed back with open arms by Uncle Phil. Now he sleeps with the fishes.

I don't think this is a 100% "getting rid of a Lovie guy" move whats soever.

Da Bears cannot afford to have a 30-sum year old KR/PR specialists on their team anymore especially with how many starting defense positions are need to be replaced, as well as, adequate depth added to the roster so there isn't such a talent gab vs first string and second.

If he was still a mediocre CB or WR it might be a different case. Plus I highly doubt Hester would be giving the Bears any kind of home team discount to stay in the navy & orange.

SuperFanDBS Writer

I don't think this is a 100% "getting rid of a Lovie guy" move whats soever.

Da Bears cannot afford to have a 30-sum year old KR/PR specialists on their team anymore especially with how many starting defense positions are need to be replaced, as well as, adequate depth added to the roster so there isn't such a talent gab vs first string and second.

If he was still a mediocre CB or WR it might be a different case. Plus I highly doubt Hester would be giving the Bears any kind of home team discount to stay in the navy & orange.

Sad to see him go for sure, but time to turn the page.

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How would we know that if they never even approached him about returning? The guys still scores points and provides great field position. Can you say the same about Adam Podlesh. He can't play CB or WR either. He was one of the worst punters in the league last year vs one of the top PR/KOR men and he makes more than Hester but he still has a job. Funny huh?

You all can debate it all you want but if Phil Emery isn't doing all he can to rid himself of Lovie's guys then he's doing a damn good imitation of it. Even at age 31 the guy can still make ST Coordinators sweat and he had one PR for a TD last year, one called back and two KOR that nearly broke for TDs but didn't because teams kept a spy back to make sure he didn't. That's still how much respect he commands. At the very least they should have made him an offer before they shoved him out the door. :mad:

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I'm not so sure it's a "Lovie" thing but rather a simple business move. Too much $ involved and maybe they want to give him the chance to test the waters first to see if some team WILL give him a better payday. Love Hester but Lovie & JA screwed the pooch when he gave him the big $ to be the "#1" WR.

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